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I was interested to read that marketing magazine The Drum is challenging itself to develop an upcoming issue in front of a live audience.

At first I was impressed by the editorial team which laid down its own gauntlet to discuss content and interview key spokespeople (such as Dom Burch, head of social media for Walmart, and Selina Webb, communications director for Universal Music) to put together one of its fortnightly magazines. I was even quite excited at the feeling of sniffing out a story with the professionals, but all of those feelings disappeared when I found out that I was going to be charged more than £200 for the privilege.

I know it’s a commercial event for the brand to grow and improve its offering, but that doesn’t stop me questioning how The Drum can ‘sell’ this opportunity. Especially when the challenge is lukewarm; it’s hardly down to the wire – with more than two weeks from the ‘live’ session until the magazine is on the shelf.

I feel that The Drum has dressed up an exciting concept for the publishing world in sheep’s clothing. An event like this has the potential to hold something special for attendees that online and digital wouldn’t offer – the traditional interviews, feature angles and front covers.

More than this, it’s the perfect chance for young budding PR, marketing and advertising bods to learn some industry nuggets – but at this rate they’re priced out. I think working with future media executives would’ve made a much better story, but as it stands I’m cynical as to how much decided on the day will actually be published.

A couple of weeks ago I hinted that I was working on something special for Prime Time and here it is:

Thanks to graphic designer Rob Ayton Prime Time has a new brand identity – and this goes beyond just a re-vamped logo.

Going forward, every week I’ll be doing a quick round-up of ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ in the world of PR, digital and social media. If I like what I see, I’ll give you a smiley face (:-p). If it doesn’t live up to Prime Time’s standards you’ll know about it (:-t). So if you’re feeling brave why not share your latest campaign with me? All you need to do is comment, email or tweet me your suggestions and I’ll do my research.

Being involved in the decision-making process with Rob has taught me lots about the logo creation process.

Prime Time’s brand identity explained:

1. Colour
I like purple, isn’t enough? Rob’s research into people’s perception of the colour suggested that it’s not adopted by businesses very often. It’s considered childish, but I prefer to remember its rich, royal connotations that provoke creativity. But, quite simply, this blog space is an extension of my personality and the ‘wallpaper’ should reflect that.

In addition to this, the continuing purple background reflects the long life this blog’s got ahead of it.

2. Name and slogan
When I started my blog, I was adamant I needed a space that could accommodate my – sometimes uncontrollable – soap addiction. But then the ‘PR-In-My-Eyes’ tag-line came to me late at night. It’s a slogan that brings the blog to life, explains what it’s all about and removes it from being seen as an extension of the Radio Times.

3. Colon
The colon represents time (on a digital clock) highlighting the blog’s fast-pace when commenting on ‘real-time’ news.

4. Font
The condensed font ties into the digital clock theme and time element of the blog.

So, there it is – what do you think? I have several variations of the logo, based on the themes explained above, and will keep drip-feeding them to you over the coming weeks.